The Joy of Motion
Animals as Leaders · 2014
54 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal
Intricate guitar melodies and polyrhythmic grooves collide in a vibrant exploration of progressive metal's boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ka$cade — This opening track establishes the album's intricate sound with rapid-fire guitar work and dynamic shifts, setting a high bar for the rest of the record.
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Tooth and Claw — Featuring a blend of melodic hooks and complex rhythms, this track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse technicality with emotional depth.
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The Woven Web — This song showcases an exceptional interplay between guitar layers and ambient textures, encapsulating the thematic essence of the entire album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album excels in technical execution and innovative compositions, making it a standout in progressive metal.
What we noticed
- Each track typically showcases intricate guitar work, with dual guitar melodies often interweaving throughout the compositions.
- The record maintains a high energy level, with only a few moments of respite, such as the atmospheric interlude in 'Air Chrysalis'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady rhythmic exploration
- virtuosic guitar showcases
- immersive in-order listening
- complex arrangements for detail-oriented
- engaging journey through sound
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'The Joy of Motion' was released in 2014, Animals as Leaders had established themselves within the progressive metal scene following their acclaimed self-titled debut in 2009. This album marked their third release, showcasing a matured sound and further refining their complex instrumental approach after the success of 'Weightless' in 2011.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ka$cade 5:23
- 2 Lippincott 4:22
- 3 Air Chrysalis 5:05
- 4 Another Year 3:50
- 5 Physical Education 4:40
- 6 Tooth and Claw 4:23
- 7 Crescent 4:23
- 8 The Future That Awaited Me 4:33
- 9 Para Mexer 4:29
- 10 The Woven Web 4:07
- 11 Mind‐Spun 4:35
- 12 Nephele 4:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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